Gaming Law in Florida Gambling, whether it's horse-racing or slot machines, is regulated at the state level. Generally speaking, Florida gambling laws limit casinos to Indian reservations and allow betting on horse racing. The amount of wagers and where casinos can be located geographically also incorporates state law. The Senate gambling bill would also allow the Seminole Tribe to offer craps and roulette at its casinos and it would allow South Florida tracks to add blackjack.

In an effort to drive up tourism to the state, the Florida legislation’s policy towards gambling has changed a lot over the past several years, making it all the more important to stay up to date and abreast on the Florida gambling laws when it comes to its residents’ rights whenever gaming is concerned.

All gambling in the United States is regulated by Federal Law. These laws, such as the Federal Wire Act and the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act essentially state that while a US citizen cannot be punished by the Federal Court for the mere act of gambling or placing bets, anyone who hosts a gambling game or keeps a sportsbook with the intent of taking bets without the written permission of their home state can be punished.

According to these laws, it’s impossible to get in legal trouble for merely participating in gambling, however, most states add their own legislation to complicate matters even further. While it’s true that there are ways to gamble legally in Florida, in may take a little thought and some education to do so in a legal manner.

The purpose of this website is to help Florida residents navigate the often misunderstood legal terrain of gambling, and perhaps to help them enjoy a new hobby in a way that is both compliant with the law and completely safe.

Is Gambling Legal In Florida...Can I Get In Trouble?

Unlike federal law which, in every case regarding gambling, specifically exempts the otherwise honest participant and only goes after the host, Florida law chapter 849.08 takes the time to specifically define gambling as engaging “in any game at cards, Keno, Roulette, Faro or other game of chance.”

This obviously rules out most popular casino games specifically by name, and also anything that may be regarded as betting on “chance,” which also includes betting on sports. However, more recent amendments to the law in the interest of boosting tourism have exempt games of “skill.” This means that it’s possible for Florida to host legal games of poker or dominos and state licensed poker rooms.

If a Florida resident is found guilty of “gambling,” it is a second degree misdemeanor which carries a relatively small legal fine and a maximum imprisonment of up to 60 days. While this law is technically in the books, it’s important to note that no otherwise honest Florida resident has ever been brought up on charges of “gambling.” What one needs to be sure to avoid is “bookmaking,” which carries a felony charge and a long, sad history of arrests in the state of Florida.

The Difference Between Gambling & Bookmaking

Just as with federal law, Florida gambling laws draw a stark comparison between one who is a mere participant in gaming or betting and one who sets them up. Florida law defines “bookmaking” in chapter 849.25 as the action of setting up bets on contests of skill or games of chance for profit. If one is found guilty of bookmaking, it carries a steep penalty of a class three felony which results in jail time for up to one year.

In order to avoid these charges, Florida residents should be careful to avoid situations in which they may receive profits off of gambling without wagering themselves. This can mean operating a sportsbook in which the odds are designed in such a way to bring in profit, operating a gambling game as the “house,” or setting up a private poker game in which admission is charged solely for the privilege to play, or any sort of “rake” (a percentage of each pot collected as profit.)

Gambling in the United States is legally restricted. In 2008, gambling activities generated gross revenues (the difference between the total amounts wagered minus the funds or 'winnings' returned to the players) of $92.27 billion in the United States.
Gambling Laws in Florida The minimum gambling age is 18 at all Indian casinos for bingo or poker and 21 for electronic gaming machines. The minimum gambling age is 18 for pari-mutuel betting or poker and 21 for gaming machines. The minimum drinking age on all boats is 21.
FL is the third most populous State in the country. Its politic capital is Tallahassee but its main city is Miami. There is a large number of gaming establishments in the territory of FL. Those are located close to cities like Miami, Orlando, Tampa or Fort Myers. Gambling fans will enjoy over 25,000 slot machines and around 780 table games.

As long as a Florida residents can avoid these specific trappings, they will be able to avoid being brought up on “bookmaking” charges, and in al reality, and gambling related charges at all.

Gambling Laws In FL: What They Say & What They Mean

Florida Sports Betting Laws

According to Florida Law chapter 849.14, it is unlawful to bet on any trial or contest of skill, effectively outlawing sports betting from the state of Florida. However, just as with gambling charges, it’s important to note that the only real targets of these laws are bookmakers. In fact, even in a case as recent as February of 2015, one of the biggest sports betting rings in Broward County history was broken up, but none of the mere bettors were brought up on charges. It was only the bookmakers and managers of the sportsbook who faced any legal penalties.

Florida Casino Gaming Laws

Florida currently has no casinos outside of Federally Authorized Native American reservations and has strict legislation in place to forbid them. However, a long, ongoing struggle to bring legal slot machines to Florida in an effort to boost tourism is currently playing out within state legislation. Although casino games have yet to receive any sort of state license, many legal experts believe that it is only a matter of time before this legislation is overturned in favor of making Florida and even more popular destination for tourists. Stay tuned for more information as the situation develops.

Florida Poker Laws

Florida Law has actually exempt “games of skill,” which includes poker, from its legislation. In order for the activity to be completely legal, it must take place within a state licensed poker room, and it cannot be a “banking game.” Chapter 849.086 section (b) defines a banking game as any game in which the house is a participant and plays against other players. In order for a poker room to be legal, every player must have an even chance of winning the game, excepting conditions of luck or skill level.

Florida Legal Gambling Age: How Old To Bet In Florida?

Unlike some states where residents must wait until 21 to legally gamble in any fashion, in Florida, they generally must only wait until 18, however most Indian casinos do state players need to be 21 to play their games. This is fortunate, because the issue of legal gambling is complicated enough already without needing to add any further complications to the situation.

It is highly advisable any one reading this abide by Florida gambling laws in waiting until they are of legal age to gamble in order to avoid any unwanted legal trouble to their situation, including steep fines for both the underage gambler and the facilitator of the act. In addition, those caught engaging in underage gambing are very likely have all their funds associated with gambling, including their winnings, forfeit.

General	Lottery	Casinos	Poker	Pari-Mutuel	Bingo
18	18	21	18	18	18

Where To Legally Gamble in Florida

On-Land: If one wishes to legally gamble in the Sunshine State, there are plenty of options so long as they want to play poker. Florida is home to many legal poker rooms, and if someone living in Florida wants to play a game of poker, they are probably no more than a two to three hour drive away from a state licensed facility. Tournament entry fees within the state range from low stakes games at $5 all the way to $250. Some of these tournaments lead to big guaranteed money, provided you can make it out to the poker room at the set time the tournament is to begin.

While there are scant few options for casi

Is Gambling Allowed In Florida